Shanghai recently kicked off its pilot reform of classified customs clearance of import goods and the Pudong Customs was chosen to pilot the reform.

Since the Shanghai Customs became the national pilot for the reform of classified customs clearance of export goods at the end of 2007, the scope of the experiment has been extended to cover all sea and air freight export cargo under the jurisdiction of Shanghai Customs. On this basis, the Shanghai Customs is now extending the reform to import goods. The reform has the credibility of enterprises as basis and makes use of risk management measures and important information such as commodity classification, price and import licence to grant release in three ways: release on guarantee, express release of low-risk goods, or release of high-risk goods upon strict supervision.

In this pilot reform, the Shanghai Customs selected 23 category AA import and export enterprises in Pudong with high ratings of credibility and customs declaration compliance to try out “release on guarantee”. Goods that measure up to the requirements may be released against details provided in the customs declaration forms. The necessary documents may be presented and the relevant taxes and fees paid within 10 days of the release of the goods.

Shanghai General Motors Co Ltd completed its first “release on guarantee” declaration form and the entire procedure, from declaration to release, only took a few minutes. The Shanghai Customs accepted 671 classified declaration forms for import goods on site on first day of the reform, including 21 for release on guarantee, 528 for express release of low-risk goods, and 122 for high-risk goods requiring strict supervision.

Relevant departments and units of the Shanghai Customs will announce details of the “5+2 days” customs clearance system, the departments in charge, the working procedures and other service pledges before long to further deepen the “5+2 days” customs clearance system and build itself into a first-rate international customs port that is convenient, efficient, safe and law-abiding.

Various departments and units of the Shanghai Customs have handled 12 million customs declarations and inspections, inspected 35,000 vessels, and collected tariffs totalling Rmb6.5 billion over the past six years. The Shanghai Customs has fulfilled its goal of providing 24/7 round-the-clock customs clearance with an obvious improvement in efficiency.